Kariobangi Sharks FC have lost their promotion play-off against Mombasa United FC after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) awarded the coastal side a 2-0 victory.
Mombasa United’s victory followed the abandonment of Kariobangi FC in their second-leg encounter at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on October 6, 2026.
On October 9, the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee declared Mombasa United the aggregate play-off winners, securing their promotion to the SportPesa League for the 2026/2027 season.
“In accordance with Art. 3.3.2 as read with Art. 3.3.3 of the Rules & Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the Committee declares that the match shall be forfeited by Kariobangi Sharks FC and the same shall be awarded to Mombasa United FC on a 2-0 score,” FKF noted.
The committee found that Kariobangi Sharks players disrupted the match in the 64th minute after protesting against the center referee’s decision to award a penalty to Mombasa United.
Further, the ruling established that Kariobangi Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno and a section of the club’s supporters invaded the pitch and physically assaulted the referee.
During the hearing, Kariobangi Sharks were represented by club chairman Robert Maoga and deputy chief executive officer Ronny Oyando, while Ahmed Ibrahim and Abdirahman Mahmoud attended on behalf of Mombasa United.
Officials present included Chairman Peter Kamau Chege, Vice Chairman Boaz Kibet Kaino, Alex Musikeri, Dan Hibichu, Hussein Kadir and Benard Odongo.
Nassur Doka, the match commissioner, also attended on behalf of the match officials.
Also Read: Kariobangi Sharks Stare at Relegation After Promotion Decider Erupts in Chaos
FKF Awards Mombasa United 2-0 Victory
According to the committee’s decision following the incident, the injured referee underwent an assessment by the medical team and informed match commissioner Nassur Doka that he was unable to resume the match.
The match was subsequently called off, with the incident later reported at Langata Police Station under Occurrence Book number 56/6/10/2026.
After considering reports from match officials and other relevant parties, as well as oral submissions from both clubs, the match commissioner and the FKF security officer, the committee ruled that Kariobangi Sharks were responsible for the abandonment.
The committee invoked Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019) to declare the match forfeited by Kariobangi Sharks and award Mombasa United a 2-0 victory.
Also Read: Sports Disputes Tribunal Blocks FKF From Relegating Kariobangi Sharks
Kariobangi Sharks Play-Off Abandonment
On October 1, Kariobangi Sharks hosted Mombasa United in the second leg after losing the first encounter 2-1 at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.
In the return match, Mombasa United scored first before Sharks responded through captain Patila Omoto and Douglas Omanga to take a 2-1 lead.
The score left the teams level at 3-3 on aggregate when the match was interrupted in the 64th minute.
Beyond the interruptions, concerns were raised over the appointment of John Sulwe and assistant Jane Cherono for the playoff match.
Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo publicly questioned the appointments, arguing that Sulwe had managed several matches over the past two seasons.
Further, he argued that Cherono had faced a suspension and demotion to the National Super League earlier.
“For today’s FKF Premier League/NSL promotion playoff return leg between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United, CR John Sulwe has been appointed after officiating only five matches cumulatively over the last two seasons. AR Jane Cherono is also returning after serving a suspension in the FKF Premier League before being demoted to the NSL,” Sally Bolo stated on October 7.
According to Sally, the appointment of referees should be conducted fairly and transparently.
She also called on the FKF to address stakeholders’ concerns and promote fair play during matches.
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